Boning Leather - Hanging Strop

[MADMAX22]

Yeah boning usually refers to molding the leather with what was traditionally a bone tool. Atleast as far as I know. Like other terms it has probably been used for various different expressions. 

[bikermutt07]

Thanks guys.

[beardedrigger]

Thanks for the responses, y'all. I think I've got my answer and think it's like Madmax22 says: using a slicker on the leather to smooth it out when casing it. 

This video shows an example about a minute in: 

 

[bikermutt07]

That's the guy!

[johnv474]

If the purpose is to simply make the leather smoother and denser, you may want to look into getting leather soling strips. I believe these are generally run under a press because they are much firmer/denser than regular bag/belt veg tan. They can be bought in 4" and 13" wide strips for $15-30.

[dirkba]

This post took my thoughts way back to the days of compulsory military training - being in the Army!!

We use to "bone" our boots for inspection. This was insane....but it kept us busy for hours in the night. We had to get those boots shining....so thinking back and applying my mind - it struck me!

The process of covering leather with layers of spit and polish to get the surface as smooth as silk and SHINING will definitely have a benefit if you were to apply the same technique to a strip of leather. Then using the polished leather strip - referred to as a strop would help you to polish steel to a high cutting edge, because of the smooth surface. The only difference would be applying some buffing paste to smooth the surface, but also to act as a fine abrasive for the steel.

 

 

 

[billybopp]

If you're stropping a straight razor, you may want more than one strop.  That edge has to be very very sharp AND polished for a good comfortable shave.  A strop with a bit of mild polishing compound on it can be a help when the edge is lacking a bit but not really in need of a full-blown sharpening yet.  It will remove some metal.  But after that, and for everyday use, a plain smooth piece of leather will polish without removing any appreciable amount of metal.  The smoother that leather is, the smoother it can make the polish on the blade.   Boning, or slicking would help to make that leather as smooth as possible.  You might also take a look at jacked leather for a strop.   It's more or less slicked when you get it.

Bill

 

[silverwingit]

Maybe I'm doing something wrong but I made a two-sided wood strop with horse butt and put the grain side out. Now no matter what I do it won't take or keep polishing compound. I wish I'd have made it flesh side out. I've sanded it with coarse sandpaper and that helps but my little belly leather strop with the flesh side out works much better. In fact, I am just about ready to make a new flesh side out horsehide strop out of frustration.

Michelle